Candida

[cartersmom]

My 13 month old son has Candida issues. He has has skin issues since birth and has recently been sick alot. After seeking the advice of various people, it is now thought that he has Candida and this makes total sense to me. My whole family on my side is very YEASTY! My older brother had chronic fatigue symdrome when he was about 21 that was due to systemic yeast problems. I use to have terrible monthly infections and have always had stomach issues.

I know that candida can be hell to eliminate. I know that this has harmed his gut and immune system. I have no idea where to start :(

[Sarah]

Hi Catersmom. I am 38 and was told I had candida at the age of 20. After years of continued 'mild' illnesses due to a non-existant immune system, constant fatigue, irritable bowel and skin problems I went to a naturopath. I had been prescribed by a doctor in my late teens, antibiotics (tetracycline?) for about a year to combat acne! I believe this was the beginning of my downfall. I no longer eat wheat or dairy. Limit my sugar intake and foods containing any yeast. I was also told to limit the amount of fruits such as apples, pears and grapes, where you eat the skin as part of the fruit, I assume because of fermentation, which creates yeast. I regularly do a course of acididopilus and caprylic acid as it can be hard to stick to the diet sometimes. I find this helps rebalance things for me. I hope this helps you with your son - I know how horrid candida can be, but the good thing is it can be controlled by diet. Good luck and I hope your son improves soon.

[Serephina]

You're right, candida is notoriously tricky to treat. Do you mind if I ask how it was diagnosed?

You'll find lots of candida diets if you do a google search. They basically eliminate yeast, sugars and grains which tend to feed the candida.

A good probiotic would be vital. I haven't tried it yet personally but others have recommended Progurt (http://www.progurt.com/) as it is a human derived probiotic and can actually colonise the gut.

There are also plenty of herbs that could be used as anti-fungals but I would encourage you to seek advice from a herbalist, particularly as your son is so young.

Also keep in mind that die-off can cause some really unpleasant symptoms in the short term.

Good luck!

[Barefoot]

The probiotics seem like a very good idea and well as the many anti parasitical herbs/spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper to consider.
How about PH levels, Too Acidic? It may be worth checking out the acid /alkaline food charts found on the web about this or about balancing PH levels in general.
Stuff like Ginger and frsh lemon juice are said to be alkalizing.

I have questioned the traditional advice regarding "don't eat such or such" when suffering from candida as i believe that, say, mushrooms and "fermented" apple cider vinegar would do far more good harm but please do do your own research on this.
See http://www.cordycepsreishiextracts.com/mushrooms_candida.htm
http://www.askshelley.com/forum/about1903.html
http://www.henriettesherbal.com/archives/best/2000/candida-diet.html

[cartersmom]

You're right, candida is notoriously tricky to treat. Do you mind if I ask how it was diagnosed?

You'll find lots of candida diets if you do a google search. They basically eliminate yeast, sugars and grains which tend to feed the candida.

A good probiotic would be vital. I haven't tried it yet personally but others have recommended Progurt (http://www.progurt.com/) as it is a human derived probiotic and can actually colonise the gut.

There are also plenty of herbs that could be used as anti-fungals but I would encourage you to seek advice from a herbalist, particularly as your son is so young.

Also keep in mind that die-off can cause some really unpleasant symptoms in the short term.

Good luck!

I don't think he had been formally diagnosed really. I think at this point she is just speculating. Given my history I wouldn't be surprised if it was an issue, although Im nit sure how much of one it is at this point. His Symptoms are skin rashes (exema type rashes) and frequent respiratory infections. I know these things could be caused by other things however like allergies.

[magical1]

This is the best thing I can offer... I've been a customer for years of this product and my children take it happily.... Turned all my fungal and yeast issues around. Many others too have found it life changing, good and easy to administer.

Threelac. http://www.return2health.net/Natural-Health-Products.html#Threelac